A treat for readers

Foodie favourite: 2009 MasterChef Australia winner Julie Goodwin will be a headline guest at this year's Bendigo Writers Festival. Photo: ELIZABETH ALLNUT

A WORLD-class lineup of almost 100 writers and pundits have been announced as participants in this year’s Bendigo Writers Festival.

Celebrated author Kate Grenville, renowned celebrity cook Julie Goodwin, ABC legend and multi Walkley Award winner Kerry O’Brien, and Australian acting royalty Jane Clifton are on the program.

Attendees will be spoilt for choice with over 50 ticketed sittings on offer, plus a number of free events scheduled for the Bendigo Writers Festival Big Top, a new pop-up venue in the Dudley House garden.

ABC statewide radio is set to present its Live from the steps of The Capital program on the opening morning of the festival with local broadcaster Fiona Parker, while primary and secondary students can take advantage of a no-cost, day-long program Word Spot, presented by La Trobe University.

Political journalist and commentator, Annabel Crabb is part of the Bendigo Writers’ Festival Program. Photo: SUPPLIED

Bendigo Venues & Events Manager Julie Amos said the sheer amount of program highlights promises an “exciting time” for this year’s festival goers.

“Be part of aspiring conversations, indulge in a feast of words and savour gastronomic delights,” she said.

“This will ‘literally’ be the best weekend in Bendigo, and we cannot wait to welcome you.

“The program has been released, so now is the time to check out the sessions and plan your Bendigo Writers Festival weekend. Tickets go on sale from 10am on Thursday June 13.”

The Bendigo Writers Festival runs from 9am on Friday 16 August to the closing event at 3pm on Sunday 18 August.

The full schedule is now available on the festival website at bendigowritersfestival.com.au.